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Crank Brothers Iodine 2 wheels - Dirt

After my initial questioning of the looks, I fitted them to a long-term test Specialized Stumpjumper. Shod with some quality rubber (Maxxis High Roller II and Minion DHF) these looked very much up to the job. With the 29″ size weighing in at 1900g for the cheaper Iodine 2 model (the marginally lighter Iodine 1 wheels are 1830g) and with an internal rim width of 28mm these Crank Bros wheels are both up to date in dimensions and not worryingly dainty. The aluminium rims are also anodised black for a durable finish. Pricing (and weight) compares well to the Stan’s NoTubes Flow MKIII wheels which were another pick in the 2017 Dirt 100.

‘Enthusiast-level aluminium wheels for enduro’ is the tag line Crank Brothers hang on this hardware.

First impression were very good. These Iodine 2s were a touch heavier than the wheels we removed from the bike but they felt different. Different in a good way. They had a very pleasing ride quality, feeling stiff under power but not harsh in any way. Test conditions were dry with repetitive roots, rock gardens and braking bumps. There seems to be a compliance to the way these Crank Brothers wheels ride yet they remain stiff enough and light enough under power with good acceleration. Sure you know they are approaching 1900g a pair in weight but with a 90kg rider on board they felt suitably robust and hold their line well, giving some accuracy and precision to the steering.

So what about the hubs? Well, with nearly six months of use these wheels they haven’t missed a beat. The steel freehub body (a nice touch) and bearings are spot on. The wide rims have held the tubeless tyres tight, with no burping or leaking and the spoke tension has not needed adjustment.

A faultless performance so far, these wheels have won me over – they are staying on the bike…